The Swedish parliament voted to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14 years, allowing juveniles who commit crimes to be imprisoned. This aims to enhance efforts to combat crime and drug gangs. The law will take effect on 10 September 2026 GMT+7.
On 13 August 2026 GMT+7, the Swedish parliament voted to reduce the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 14. The vote was 281 in favor and 66 against, allowing younger offenders to be subject to imprisonment.
This vote occurred amid a right-wing government preparing for the general election and announcing plans to crack down on crime after the country faced gang conflicts for over a decade. Previously, the government proposed lowering the age to 13 but withdrew the proposal in June following opposition from 126 organizations and agencies, including police and correctional authorities, who considered 13 years too young.
In addition to lowering the criminal responsibility age, the parliament also voted to reduce sentence reduction rights for juvenile offenders. Under the new law, those under 18 may face prison sentences of up to 18 years. The law will officially come into force on 10 September 2026 GMT+7.
Source: Euro News